Kittyhawk Ohrdorf sets sights on American dream

Illawarra basketballer Georgia Ohrdorf is set to live out her dream after securing a scholarship to play college hoops in America.

BASKETBALL

Illawarra basketballer Georgia Ohrdorf is set to live out her dream after securing a scholarship to play college hoops in America.

A member of the Illawarra Kittyhawks side that won last year's Waratah championship, Ohrdorf will live in Denver, Colorado, for the next four years while she attends Metropolitan State University.

The 18-year-old said she had been inspired by Kittyhawks teammate Lauren Sparks, a former Illawarra junior who ventured down the US college path six years ago and came home with countless good memories.

Illawarra basketballer Georgia Ohrdorf can't wait to start playing US college basketball for MSU in Denver. Picture: KIRK GILMOUR

"She went over and loved it," Ohrdorf said.

"It's been a dream since I was in year six. That lifestyle of just living and breathing basketball, and college life like how you see it on the movies, even though I know it probably won't be like that.

"I'm just excited to have a new experience and get a bit of independence just living away from Wollongong for a bit."

Ohrdorf realises she has a tremendous opportunity at her fingertips, not just with basketball but also academically.

She will study biology and chemistry at Metro State and is looking forward to learning on and off the court.

"I like science," the 180-centimetre forward said. "I want to do research and stuff like that, maybe get into the manufacturing of medicines."

While Ohrdorf will miss her family and friends back home, the former St Mary Star of the Sea College student is excited about living abroad.

"It's a bit daunting, knowing I have to kind of re-establish myself and make new friends," she said.

"They say the first six weeks is always the worst and you miss home a lot, but it's just a matter of getting through that period.

"A big shout out to my mum and dad, because they've given great support over all these years."